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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Tuesday - November 03, 2015

From: Elmer, NJ
Region: Northeast
Topic: General Botany
Title: What is the difference between indigenous and native?
Answered by: Guy Thompson

QUESTION:

What is the difference between indigenous and native?

ANSWER:

According to the Webster's New Twentieth Century Unabridged Dictionary, the two words are synonymous.  Indigenous, being longer, is probably preferred by people who are trying to impress you.
 

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